Dog Speak Communicating with dog’s safely

Dogs use body language to communicate

These dogs are feeling - angry

These dogs are feeling - scared

These dogs are feeling - happy

Tips to stay safe!

• Always check with an adult before meeting any new dogs or people!

• It can be dangerous to approach a stray dog (one that has no owner).

• If you are worried about a stray dog contact the RSPCA or your local council.

Three simple steps to greet a dog safely

Step One

• Stop about 2m away from the dog• Ask the owner “May I please pat

your dog?” OR “Is your dog comfortable meeting new people?”

• Listen to the answer…• If NO there is a good reason. Let it

be!• If Yes…

ASK . . .

the owner beforeyou pat a dog

Step Two

• Gently extend a closed fist toward the dog• Avoid staring and let them see you are

relaxed• Does he come forward with loose, waggy

movements? That’s definitely a yes. • Does he lean forward for a quick sniff and

seem comfortable? Also a yes. • Does he turn his face away from your

child’s hand? Back away? Bark? Move behind the owner? Look anxious and unsettled? Growl? These are all nos.

• Even if the owner says OK, you need to check how the dog feels!

a dog by letting it sniff the back of your hand

MEET . . .

Step Three

• Once OK with the dog and owner, you can gently pat the dog

• Avoid patting them on the head• Most dogs don't like to be patted on top of

their heads, but nearly all people pet dogs this way—it’s a hardwired human behavior.

• There is a blind spot on top of a dog’s head. If he sees your hand moving toward that area, the natural inclination is for him to tilt his head up and watch where the hand is going. Now your hand is reaching right over the dog’s teeth—not a very good place for that hand to be.

• So…the best place to pat a dog is on the side of the neck, on their chest, or under the chin - until you know them better…

a dog gently on the side of the neck or on their chest

PAT . . .

a dog by letting it sniff the back of your hand

MEET . . .ASK . . .the owner beforeyou pat a dog

Meet dogs safely

a dog gently on the chest

PAT . . .

For more ‘dog speak’ and tips

• www.wagntrain.com/BodyLanguage.htm• www.pawsacrossamerica.com/interpret.html• www.rspcaqld.org.au• www.justusdogs.com.au/flex/dog_body_language/• http://healthierdogs.com/dog_training/your-dogs-body-language/• www.livingwithkidsanddogs.com/